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Fishing

Fishing
News - Featured
News Release

Discover new fishing locations across Iowa with the enhanced DNR mobile-friendly fishing atlas

Enhanced Iowa DNR Fishing Atlas coming soon! Find nearby lakes, rivers, and trout streams easily with mobile-friendly design, search, and printable maps.

Display Date
May 5, 2026
Image
A mother smiles as she and her son, wearing a life jacket, look at the fish on the end of his line while standing a dock in a park.
Fishing
News Release

Fishing regulations relaxed at Lake LaVerne

AMES – Iowa DNR has relaxed the fishing regulations at Lake LaVerne to allow anglers to more freely harvest game fish before the lake is drained in late May.

Display Date
April 29, 2026
Image
DNR Logo, white text on green circle.
Fishing
News Release

DNR crews achieve walleye egg collection goals

Walleyes spawn once a year using water temperature and photoperiod (length of day) as cues to spawn.

Display Date
April 28, 2026
Image
biologist with female walleye at Rathbun hatchery
Fishing
News Release

Walleye season opens May 2 on Iowa’s Great Lakes

The 151st walleye fishing season officially opens May 2 at Spirit, East Okoboji, and West Okoboji lakes.

Display Date
April 21, 2026
Image
DNR Logo, white text on green circle.
News - Featured
Fishing
News Release

Ice-out channel catfish are biting across Iowa

Channel catfish move close to shore and are eager to bite in many lakes and large reservoirs across Iowa just after the ice is gone.

Display Date
March 17, 2026
Image
A fisherman with his line cast and a hazy morning mist.
Middle School
Fishing
Teacher Feature
Teacher Feature

Cedar Rapids Middle Science Content Lead Teacher

Students and teachers from Taft Middle School in Cedar Rapids get a hands on learning experience with fish anatomy, reproduction, and organ function.

Display Date
February 23, 2026
Image
Students getting a hands on learning experience with fish anatomy, reproduction, and organ function.
News - Featured
Fishing
News Release

Spring-like weather bringing Iowa’s ice fishing season to early end

Ice fishing for winter 2026 is rapidly coming to an end in Iowa, including at traditional late season lakes across the far north part of the state.

Display Date
February 18, 2026
Image
DNR Logo, white text on green circle.
Fishing
News Release

Ice fishing shelters must be removed by March 1

Ice fishing shelters, left unattended, must be removed from state-owned lands and waters, including parking lots and boat ramps by before ice melt or March 1.

Display Date
February 17, 2026
Image
DNR Logo, white text on green circle.
News - Featured
Fishing
Off-Highway Vehicles
News Release

Caution is advised as ice conditions rapidly deteriorate

Rapidly deteriorating ice conditions in Iowa lakes due to warming temperatures. Iowa DNR urges caution for ice fishing and OHV riding.

Display Date
February 9, 2026
Image
DNR Logo, white text on green circle.
Fishing
News Release

Walleye season closes Feb. 15 on Iowa Great Lakes 2026

The Walleye fishing season on Spirit, East, and West Okoboji lakes is open through Feb. 14. It will close after that date and reopens on May 2.

Display Date
February 3, 2026
Image
A fisherman with his line cast and a hazy morning mist.
News - Featured
Hunting
Fishing
News Release

2025 hunting, fishing license sales

In 2025, Iowa residents purchased…

Display Date
January 27, 2026
Image
DNR Logo, white text on green circle.
News - Featured
Hunting
Fishing
News Release

Outdoor Notes - Jan. 13, 2026

New year, new license. Iowa’s 2025 hunting and fishing licenses expired on January 10. Licenses are available at 650 locations across the state and online.

Display Date
January 13, 2026
Image
DNR Logo, white text on green circle.
News - Featured
Fishing
News Release

Ice fishing not advised across much of Iowa

Iowa’s stretch of unseasonably warm temperatures has deteriorated the quality of ice across much of the state south of Iowa Hwy. 3; ice fishing is discouraged.

Display Date
December 23, 2025
Image
Triangular warning sign with red border and an exclamation point in the center.
News - Featured
Fishing
Employment
News Release

Don’t miss your chance to get hands-on fisheries career experience 2026

Summer seasonal positions at Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) fisheries offices are open for applications until Jan. 16.

Display Date
December 16, 2025
Image
Join our team, seasonal employment opportunities image.
Fishing
Off-Highway Vehicles
Safety
News - Featured
News Release

Stay safe on the ice this winter

Ice safety in Iowa: 4" min for fishing, 5-7" for snowmobiles/ATVs. Ice thickness varies; check as you go & stay off slushy/dark spots. Be safe!

Display Date
December 9, 2025
Image
Triangular warning sign with red border and an exclamation point in the center.

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